Michele Pulver Feldman is a mixed media artist who loves color and isn’t afraid to use it! She is a graduate of Parsons School of Design, where she studied Illustration. She is drawn to her subject matter on a spiritual level. Her themes are based on subtle nuances that allow a multitude of interpretation. Her artwork represents both love of color and art history. Michele is inspired by Matisse, Cezanne, Picasso, Monet, Tiffany, and Hockney.
For Michele, the creative process is what drives her; she practices what she likes to call “Serendipitous Creativity”. She is not always quite sure how a piece will turn out, but she allows that “AH HA” moment to guide her and take her for a “creative ride” – landing in an unexpected but wonderful, serendipitous, place. For this reason, she would describe the pieces she creates as unexpected and whimsical. Since the beginning of her career, her work has never been tied to a specific artistic style. Instead, she uses varied media to create her art. Michele creates artwork that not only expresses her love of art history, but also celebrates and reflects modern Jewish and everyday life.
Her vivid hand painted mixed media art has been used in a wide range of applications including home furnishings, giftware, and paper good, as well as book covers and editorial illustrations.
Michele enjoys living in colorful Southern New England with her family and dog, who is her studio companion and reminds her every day, to go out and to smell of flowers, or snow, depending on the season.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.
I am a mixed media artist who loves color and is not afraid to use it! I am a Parsons School of Design graduate, who believes in “serendipitous creativity”. Since the beginning of my career, my work has never been tied to a specific artistic style. Instead, I use varied media to create my art. I create artwork that not only expresses my love of art history but also celebrates and reflects modern Jewish and everyday life. Inspired by Matisse, Picasso, Monet, Tiffany and Hockney, the pieces I create are often unexpected and whimsical.
My vivid hand-painted mixed media art has been used in a wide range of applications including home furnishings, giftware and paper goods, as well as book covers and children’s book illustrations. I enjoy living in colorful Southern New England with my family and my dog, Zoey, who is my studio companion and who reminds me everyday, to go out and smell the flowers, or the snow, depending on the season
What inspired you to become an artist?
I grew up surrounded by creative people. My Dad loved photography and dabbled in painting. He was a “Renaissance Man”…he also could design buildings and sew! My Mom is a great baker and knitter; growing up my brother was very interested in ham radio/early tech, today he is an avid astrophotographer and a well known internet entrepreneur, my sister is a great teacher and photographer. My parents taught us that if you live your life with passion, you heart will sing! With creativity running in my blood, I was inspired to do something that I love.
What is your specialty?
My specialty is creating mixed media art that tells a story.
How and where do you work?
I work in my studio. My work is created by hand. All of my work begins as a blank piece of paper/fabric. I create the mono printed papers that I use in my collage; I also paint in a variety of media including acrylic paint, silk dyes and water color. If it is not nailed down, I will probably use it! After I create an image, I photograph it, and create a digital file so it can be printed. Most of my work is created into greeting cards.
What is the most indispensable item in your studio?
That is a tough question. If you could see my studio, you would see I use it all! I would have to say my collection of books. I constantly turn to my heros (Matisse, Monet. Picasso, Hockney) for inspiration.
Where do you take your inspiration?
I take my inspiration from the world around me. I love looking at patterns found in nature…I love to draw flowers…I never know what will inspire me. Since the bulk of my career has been spent creating images that pertain to Jewish life, specifically, Rosh Hashanah, I would say that is what inspires me.
Are you pursuing any themes?
My current work reflects my (and I am sure everyone’s) strong desire for peace and love/acceptance in the world.
What projects are you currently working on?
I am working on a commissioned hand embroidery wall hanging and two paintings, one is a Shabbat themed image inspired by Matisse and the other one is a window view of Jerusalem, inspired by Duffy.
What are your favourite items in your current collection?
I have a couple…City of Peace, a Prayer for hope in Monet’s Garden, plus some of my newer work.
How do you know when a piece is finished?
It is definitely easier to know when a piece is not done! When I think it is finished, I will flip it over, and come back to it in a few hours or the next day. If I feel that I conveyed all that I want to say, then it is done. Since I am trained as an illustrator, it is very important to me that my images tell a story without words.
Do you do bespoke work?
Yes! I create custom invitations, so I do enjoy working with people to create a piece that is unique to them.
What was the first artwork you ever sold?
When I was 11, I sold my custom painted t-shirts. I think I sold them for $20.00 each. That was over 40 years ago!
Which project have you enjoyed working on the most so far?
I really enjoy creating my line of Jewish New Year cards. Each year, it is a challenge to come up with new concepts and images.
What do you want to achieve with your work and what are your wishes for the future?
Since I am a process oriented artist, I am always creating something. Therefore, I would like to connect with more collectors who would like to purchase original work. I am always finding new techniques that intrigue me. I hope to be able to try them and sell more art!
Where can we find your work?
Solo Show: Temple Adas Israel, Sag Harbor, NY June 30 – August 30 2019
